Google will let you search for products on Maps to help with holiday shopping

Google has added some new travel and shopping features to Maps that aim to make it easier to find local products and stay on time during busy periods. Starting today, Maps now allows users to search for items like home goods, clothing, and electronics, and find stores nearby that sell them — a useful feature to have for any last-minute holiday shopping.

The search results in Maps will display individual product listings alongside locations where generic examples of desired items can be found (showing nearby stores that sell “holiday sweaters,” for example). The product listings are presented similarly to products in Google Shopping, only with useful information like store distance and if the item is currently in stock.

The update also makes it easier to plan travel and avoid road traffic and delays in transit systems. Maps will now tell you the best and worst times to visit local locations like stores, airports, and salons by telling you what time and days are busiest, and allow users to check and report weather disruptions like flooded roads or unplowed snow. Users and local transit agencies can also report any delays on bus or train routes to keep riders up to date and limit the impact on travel arrangements.

EV drivers who have vehicles with Google built-in can plan trips on their phone and send it directly to their car. This includes charging stops, and Maps can inform users which charging stations are compatible with their vehicle’s plug type by referencing the car make and model. And for users that will be hauling larger items in trailers, Maps now lets users add cargo dimensions into the in-vehicle app to show trailer-friendly routes that avoid low bridges and tunnels.